Introduction

The IES Los Angeles section is happy to re-launch the Lesley Wheel luminaire design competition for the 2023-2024 school year! In honor of the late Lesley Wheel, we invite students in 2-yr, 4-yr and graduate programs in Southern California to design a table lamp inspired by the city of Los Angeles. Showcase your design talents to the lighting industry. The IES Los Angeles will be awarding a total of $5,000 to the top designs.

Objectives

Design a table lamp with the given parts in the provided kit (available Dec. 2023). Click here for technical info and submission requirements.

Timeline

October 2, 2023 - Online registration opens on IESLA website
December 1, 2023 - Luminaire kits will be available for pick-up (locations TBD)
December 2023-March 2024 - Let your imagination run wild! Design, design, design!
April 1, 2024 - Submissions due.
May 2024 - Award winners notified (Date TBD)
June 2024 - Award winners invited to Lumen West Awards (Southern California Illumination Awards)

Who is Lesley Wheel?

Lesley Wheel (1929-2004) was a pioneering lighting designer who trained in theater lighting and production. After eight years in theater design, she discovered her calling for architecture. She was the first woman to practice lighting design full time. In 1961 she co-founded the firm Wheel-Garon. She was the founder and board member of the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education. Since its inception the fund has given $1.7 million dollars to support lighting education in North America. One of her most notable projects is Union Station in Los Angeles. The IES Los Angeles is happy to keep her name and spirit alive by continuing this award program for the next generation.

I am a lighting professional…. How can I get involved?